Bangladesh is buzzing with tension as clashes and protests escalate following the Supreme Court’s decision to scrap most government job quotas that had been at the center of violent clashes across the country. More than 100 people have lost their lives in the unrest that has gripped the nation.
Initially, a third of public sector jobs had been reserved for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s war for independence from Pakistan in 1971. However, the recent ruling restricts the reserved roles to just 5% for veterans’ relatives, leaving 93% of public sector jobs open for merit-based recruitment.
While Law Minister Anisul Huq has welcomed the court’s decision, protesters are gearing up to continue their demonstrations. The clashes have left the streets of the capital city, Dhaka, eerily deserted under a strict curfew. Despite the ruling, sporadic clashes persist, highlighting the volatility of the situation.
Critics of the job quota system claim it was exploited by the ruling party to reward supporters and consolidate power. As the protests have morphed into a larger movement against government corruption and lack of accountability, the country is grappling with the implications of the ongoing unrest.
Amidst the chaos, the international community has taken notice, with demonstrations cropping up outside the White House in Washington, Times Square in New York, and even in East London. The clashes have not only tested the authority of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but also raised concerns about the political stability and economic progress of the country.
As Bangladesh faces this turbulent period, one thing is clear – the future remains uncertain as the nation grapples with finding a balance between justice, governance, and the aspirations of its people.
